Cantrell conceived the piece based on the “let there be light” creation story from the first chapter of Genesis. A delicate blend of paper and printing technique transforms the beautiful letterforms created by Cantrell for this poster design into a visual representation of light at dawn. Hot stamping on Gruppo Cordenons’ Moondream resulted in stunning blind-embossed impressions that turn translucent when held up to the light.

“The other amazing thing is the size of the poster,” says Morla. “I do a lot of embossing/debossing projects, and the fact that the paper didn’t stretch or wrinkle on the sides is a testament to the craftsmanship on this piece.

Cantrell and his printing partner, Gottschall Engraving (Salt Lake City, Utah), experimented until they perfected the process that required a unique combination of pressure and temperature.

The project, which has evolved in ways Cantrell only imagined, might never have been realized had it not been for an observant paper rep – just part of the magic surrounding this poster.